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Leopold Chen
Reporter, Hong Kong
Leopold holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Communication from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He used to work part-time with the metro news team of The Standard.
Leopold holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Communication from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He used to work part-time with the metro news team of The Standard.
Areas of Expertise:
Hong Kong general newsLanguages Spoken:
Cantonese, English, Mandarin
Spotlight on oversight failures as attention turns to management committee and contractor conduct, with former chair set to testify.
Engineering firms also say replacing fireproof windows with movable boards was unnecessary.
Resident says he kept calling his mother every 15 minutes and made a video call at around 9pm during which he saw the flat in complete darkness.
Mainland counterparts may not have adapted to local environment nor communicated effectively, Hong Kong fire services officer says at hearing.
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Fire Services Department explains its choice of equipment to fight blaze, while police stress buildings were thoroughly searched for survivors.
Development of technology is faster than the pace of legislation, ex-lawmaker notes.
‘If you cannot put out the fire, how can you save those trapped inside?’ commander tells committee investigating Wang Fuk Court disaster.
Committee chair says firefighters’ efforts during blaze will always be appreciated regardless of inquiry outcome, adding most faced unprecedented situation.
Preliminary investigation finds fire caused by overheated exhaust fan connected to joss paper burner at Diamond Hill Columbarium, police say.
Police say 42-year-old man collapsed while driving along Chung Yan Road on Saturday night.
But security chief says authorities will still ‘act in accordance with the law’ when handling arrestees with clear evidence of alleged crimes.
Distributor Golden Scene says To My Nineteen-Year-Old Self will not feature at Far East Film Festival in Udine.
Assistant director of Fire Services Department says shutting down fire systems not necessary for draining rooftop tanks.
Short-term relief measures include diesel subsidies of HK$3 per litre, half-price tunnel tolls for non-private vehicles.
Fire services company also concedes it acted as ‘rubber stamp’ for renovation contractor, during hearing into deadly inferno.
Director of contractor responsible for estate’s fire services equipment suspects workers drew water from tanks, calling it a serious problem.
Conservation authorities share enforcement action figures, vow to ‘explore long-term management strategies for popular attractions’.
Industry representatives say price of industrial diesel has increased by more than 190 per cent in just over one month.
Ah Ling, who featured in award-winning To My Nineteen-Year-Old Self, says no one consulted her about screening at film festival.
Downpours triggered an amber warning on Saturday and left some hikers requiring rescue.
Senior staff of property management firm ISS EastPoint declined to testify, hearing also told.
Electrician tells hearing he followed an order to turn off main switches because he was ‘worried about a penalty at work’.
Clerk tells hearing she knew hose reel system had been shut down for months but did not know alarms would also be deactivated.
Electrical worker Wong Kin-wa says Wang Fuk Court office staff told him the switches were shut off for water tank repair work.
Pak Shui-lin’s husband, Sdanni Yip, and neighbour Lam Yin-ming say heroine, who died during fire, ‘did not deserve to suffer such a fate’.
Residents recall irregular voting procedures, long deactivation of fire alarm system and rubbish piled high in light well where fire started.
Authorities pledge full transparency in inquiry, pledging swift reviews and fair process without pre-empting conclusions.
Ties among companies bidding for work at Wang Fuk Court also suggest possible under-the-table relationships, independent committee hears.
University leaders urge government to clarify how much land they will get in Northern Metropolis megaproject, saying talks with potential partners can’t move forward.
